inhpf
Why do we need HPF?

1.Strategic Investment for Preventing NCDs

Health Promotion Financing are strategic investment for preventing non-communicable diseases and reducing health inequalities.

Since the late 1980s, some countries have established a health promotion fund or foundation with revenue drawn from taxes on tobacco.  Excise taxes derived from tobacco and alcohol or “sin taxes” are a good source of sustainable funds for health promotion and tobacco control initiatives.  Other possible sources might include national or state level allocations, health insurance, private donors, among others.

The current health promotion foundations have become important components of their government’s infrastructure for population health by providing comprehensive, coordinated and cost effective health promotion activities.  They complement existing national or provincial level health budgets and are a strategic way of investing in long-term solutions for NCD prevention and health inequalities.

2.Economic rationale for health promotion: Win-Win for public Health and Finance!

Recently, there has been heightened interest in raising taxes on harmful products and dedicating funds for promoting health.  A Surcharge or dedicated tax on tobacco or alcohol products will generate sufficient revenues for funding health promotion and also contribute to government savings through improved public health.

This approach is consistent with WHO FCTC Article 6 that encourages Parties to implement tax policies and, where appropriate, price policies on tobacco products so as to contribute to the health objectives aimed at reducing tobacco consumption.  The Guidelines for the implementation of Article 6 recommend country to “dedicate revenue” to fund tobacco control and other health promotion activities.

3.HPF: Population based Health Promotion with multi-sectoral approach and foster partnership

  • Build healthy public policy
  • Create supportive environment
  • Strengthen community action
  • Develop personal skill
  • Reorient health services toward prevention of promotion
  • Involve societal movement / Society’s responsibility
  • Target community / population health
  • Tackle social & environmental factors
  • Promote community participation
  • Use Ottawa Charter’s 5 actions

4.Good for Development

Sustainable Funding Source: Why?

  • Limited budgets for health promotion and tobacco control, particularly in low and middle-income countries
  • To diminish health, social and economic costs from non-communicable diseases
  • Securing long-term investment for improving health
  • A dedicated source of funding provides a predictable, more stable amount of budget.
  • Less susceptible to diversion of funding for other purposes.
  • To supplement health insurance or universal health care policy
  • Making Polluters Pay

What would be the benefits of increased investment in tobacco control?